When shopping for semi-formal trousers, you can’t go wrong with a pair of high-quality chinos. Not to be confused with khakis, chinos consist of either lightweight cotton or a cotton-blended fabric. They are thin, lightweight and super comfortable to wear. But not all men’s chinos are the same. To get the most out of them, though, you need to choose the right pair. In this post, you’ll find some helpful tips on how to choose the perfect pair of men’s chinos.
What Are Chinos?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what exactly chinos are. The term “chino” actually refers to a special type of 100% cotton twill fabric that originated in the mid-1800s. During this time, chino was used to make military uniforms for British and French soldiers. It wasn’t until the Spanish-American War, however, when chino cloth gained popularity in the United States. Since then, it’s become a popular fabric used to make men’s trousers, which not surprisingly, are known as “chinos.”
You might be wondering how chinos differ from khakis. After all, they are both popular types of men’s semi-formal trousers — and they both feature a similar color and appearance. Well, the key difference between chinos and khakis lies in their weight. Chinos are specifically made of lightweight cotton, whereas khakis are made of a heavier, thicker cotton.
Benefits of Wearing Chinos
Wearing chinos offers several benefits, one of which is comfort. As previously mentioned, chinos are made of lightweight cotton, which makes them ideal to wear during the warm spring and summer months. While khakis are often too thick and heavy, chinos offer a viable alternative that won’t leave you feeling hot and uncomfortable.
You can also dress up or dress down chinos. If you’re trying to create a more formal appearance, for example, you can wear a pair of chinos with a suit jacket and dress shirt. If you’re trying to create a less-formal appearance, you can wear a pair of chinos with a button-up shirt and belt. Chinos are incredibly versatile in this regard — something you won’t find with many other types of men’s pants or trousers.
With a pair of high-quality chinos, you can rest assured knowing that you’ll look great. Although they are available in a variety of styles, nearly all of them are flattering when worn. They don’t hang or drape off your body. Rather, they contour to your body to create a form-fitting appearance. For these reasons and others, you should consider investing in a pair of high-quality chinos.
Choosing the Right Color
You can find chinos available in over a dozen different colors. However, light tan is the most popular color in which chinos are made and sold. As shown in the image above, light tan chinos are simple yet attractive. And best of all, they flow cohesively with most other colors. Regardless of what shirt or shoes you intend to wear, they’ll probably go with a pair of high-quality light tan chinos.
You don’t have to necessarily limit yourself to only choosing light tan khakis. It’s perfectly fine to choose chinos in a different color. Here are some tips on how to choose a pair of chinos in the right color:
- Consider what color shoes you intend to wear your chinos and choose chinos in a contrasting color.
- Don’t choose chinos in the same color as the shirt or jacket with which you intend to wear them.
- Avoid chinos featuring two or more colors. Instead, stick with a pair of single-colored chinos.
- Keep in mind, chinos are available in different shades of tan, ranging from light/white tan to dray tan.
- If you’re worried that your chinos will fade, choose a pair of pre-washed chinos, such as the Cotton Classics Chinos sold exclusively here at MakeYourOwnJeans.
- If you already own a pair of chinos in a particular color, consider choosing a pair in a different color.
Which Shirt Should I Wear With Chinos?
If you’re going to wear chinos, you need to choose the right shirt. A common mistake people make when wearing chinos is wearing a shirt in the same color. Although it sounds harmless, it’s a serious fashion faux pas that will hurt the aesthetics of your outfit. If your chinos are shirt are both the same color, it will look like you are wearing a one-piece jumpsuit, which isn’t particularly attractive or flattering.
Accessorize Your Outfit
When wearing chinos, don’t forget to accessorize your outfit with the right items. Granted, there’s no rule stating that you must wear accessories with chinos. On the contrary, some men wear few or no accessories with these semi-formal trousers. Regardless, though, accessories can complement the appearance of your chinos to create a more visually attractive outfit.
A belt is an essential accessory that’s always beneficial when worn with chinos. Even if your chinos fit (which they should), a belt will enhance your appearance by adding new colors and textures to your outfit.
In addition to a belt, you may also want to accessories your outfit with a wristwatch. A metal-clad wristwatch creates a more formal-looking outfit, which is useful when wearing chinos.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Chinos
Finally, don’t forget to clean and maintain your chinos. Because they are typically made of 100% cotton, chinos are usually safe to clean in the washing machine. With that said, it’s still a good idea to check the care tag. This label will reveal the best method to clean the chinos without damaging them.
A pair of high-quality chinos is a smart investment. Featuring a lightweight cotton construction, they are soft and comfortable while offering a semi-formal appearance in the process. Just remember to choose a pair of chinos in the right color, style and size. Following these tips will help you get the most value out of your new chinos.
